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Meet Zach Miko, The First Male Plus Size Model To Be Signed To A Major Agency

Body positivity isn't just for women.

By
Sharon Lynn Pruitt

Body positivity within the fashion industry has been gaining traction in recent years, but to date, it's been largely focused on uplifting women. Well, what about the men?

Luckily, IMG Models is ahead of the game. Women's Wear Daily reports that the well-known modeling agency just debuted a new plus-size men's division called Brawn, and signed their first ever "big and tall" model, Zach Miko. Yeah, it's pretty much the best thing ever.

"The body positive messaging and size diversity is something that's relevant and something that continues to be on everybody's mind. We have to extend the conversation for men," said the president of IMG Models, Ivan Bart.

Actor, comedian, and writer Zach Miko is 6 feet, 6 inches, has a 40-inch waist, and is all about size acceptance.

"Women of all shapes and sizes are beautiful and confident and sexy," Miko told Buzzfeed. "The conversation has changed from 'This is what beautiful is' to 'What is beautiful?' I am humbled to be able to raise that question for the men's industry."

Still, I can't help but wonder if the world of male plus size modeling may end up falling into the same pitfalls of its female counterpart - that is, reserving its pedestals for "acceptable" types of large bodies, while ignoring all others.

That being said, Miko seems like a smart one to be leading this new wave of male-centered body acceptance. In addition to being a total babe (he made waves as Target's only male plus size model last year), he's all about inspiring other people to love themselves.

"You are beautiful the way you are right now," Miko said. "Who you are - no matter what shape or size or age or what have you - is attractive, desirable, and valid."